Trey Hendrickson gains massive backing in Bengals contract standoff originally appeared on The Sporting News
Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo supports Trey Hendrickson as a player the team should be willing to pay and keep for the long haul. The real question is whether the Bengals can adjust their stance to make a deal happen.
On Monday, Anarumo, now the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, spoke with Kay Adams on the latest “Up & Adams” and made the case why Cincinnati shouldn’t hesitate to pay Hendrickson despite the player being 30 years old.
“To address the age part, he’s a young 30,” Anarumo told Adams. “He is a workout freak. He’s always in the weight room. He’s constantly training. He’s got a bunch of years left in him for sure. He’s a freak athlete, and you know his numbers speak for themselves. I think any team would say, ‘A 17.5-sack guy? We’ll take him.'”
What is the value of Trey Hendrickson to the Bengals?
Former Bengals DC Lou Anarumo with his take: 📢🗣️🔥@UpAndAdamsShow pic.twitter.com/6TClRLI3cX
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 10, 2025
Anarumo also emphasized an essential trait the Bengals can’t afford to lose—something that could help them make key stops during a game. Cincinnati doesn’t need a lockdown defense, but they need to get opposing offenses off the field at crucial moments.
“He can just generate a rush like nobody’s business,” Anarumo added.
The Bengals could use Hendrickson. While it’s just one preseason game, Cincinnati’s defense raised more questions than answers in their 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
What’s most concerning is how shaky the defense looked, not against Jalen Hurts, who didn’t play, but against backup Tanner McKee, who completed 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards. If they struggle this much against a backup, it does not inspire confidence for when they face starting quarterbacks.
Cincinnati still has the rest of the preseason to prove they can pressure any quarterback, starter, or backup. But if their performance against the Eagles turns into a trend, the Bengals’ front office may need to step in to make sure Hendrickson is on the field by Week 1.
